M-CHS boys basketball team wins thriller in home tourney finale

Alex Lopez manages to pass to a Panthers teammate, as he is knocked over in the Monticello game Saturday of the Four Corners Classic.

The Panthers trailed 45-33 at the end of the third quarter last Saturday afternoon.

It was the second-place game of the Four Corners Classic at Ron Wright Memorial Gym.

The visiting Miyamura Patriots made the drive from Gallup, N.M., and were in control.

Montezuma-Cortez High School just came off a heartbreaking overtime loss to Monitcello (Utah) in the morning. The Panthers were without their coach, as Cory Gropp was ejected after two technical fouls in the second quarter.

The Panthers were without starting point guard Alex Lopez, who injured his ankle against Monticello.

McGree drew a foul after he was tripped up with three seconds left. It was a hard foul that drew intense ire from both teams.

With the tension mounted greater than Everest, McGee calmly swished the first free throw to tie the game.

"I was nervous for sure," said McGee about stepping to the free-throw line at the end. "I knew after I made that first one, it was either going to go into overtime or we were going to win it."

A couple bounces, a deep breath and a flick of the wrist, McGee's second from the charity stripe went in to give the Panthers the lead back at 53-52.

Miyamura's last second desperation heave was no good and M-CHS escaped with a 1-point thriller. McGee was mobbed by his ecstatic teammates.

"I knew my team was going to make a stop," McGee said. "I was just really happy I had a chance to do that for my team and we got a win out of it."

It was a character building victory for the Panthers (2-4), who have started the season slow adjusting to Gropp's up-tempo system. But with each game, M-CHS has taken positive steps forward.

"We've been trying to tell the boys, 'We have all the talent in the world.' It's all about mentality," Gropp said. "The boys showed today that they're starting to catch on to what we're talking about. They're starting to believe in themselves."

The junior delivered again from downtown to knot the game at 49 with six seconds to go.

"Coach just told me to set a screen. Then Briston (Walker) set a screen for me and I pulled up for 3," Whiteskunk said. "Today, my 3-point (shot) was just hitting, so I was going for it. I had to hit that 3."

Hollingsworth's baseline jumper clanked off the rim and the Four Corners foes went to overtime.

But it was all Buckaroos in the extra session. Monticello out-scored M-CHS 13-7 in overtime and won 62-56. The Buckaroos took care of Bayfield in the next game, 55-43, to win the Four Corners Classic.

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Monday, March 2

The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs meeting room 110, in the Johnson...